Fitzgerald River National Park Western Australia.

The Fitgerald River National Park lies along the south coast of Western Australia, between Bremer Bay to the south west and Hopetoun to the north east. Access from Perth is down the Albany highway, then either taking the Ravensthorpe road from near Albany (~400km), or cutting across country through the Stirling Ranges or from Mount Barker. The Albany - Ravensthorpe - Esperance road lies near the northern boundary of the park, about 30 kilometers inland. Tracks enter the park from Bremer Bay, from Hopetoun and from the main road to the north.

There is a ranger's station at the eastern end of the park, near Hopetoun. Hopetoun can be reached from Ravensthorpe to the north or (right) from the north west along West River Track past East Mt. Barren. A four wheel drive track runs through the park, parallel to the coast and a few kilometers inland - Telegraph Road, Collets Track, Gwalup Road North. Side tracks run of this, south to various points on the coast, and north to the main road.

Hopetoun was once the port for Ravensthorpe when gold mining was active in the area and sports the remains of an impressively long jetty. The jetty was sheltered by reefs on most sides, rather than a bay, making it a difficult harbour. Nothing much happens in Hopetoun now.

Telegraph road runs south west through low heath vegetation. The track is easy going although often rough such as when crossing Hammersley River where it could be muddy after rain.

Being to the east of the southern most point of Western Australia (Albany) The Fitzgerald River NP is in a rain shadow for the prevailing south westerly winds and most of its rain comes from the much rarer south easterlies. The bulk of that rain falls in winter and the major river crossings can become impassable after a long wet spell. Generous amounts of drinking water should be carried in summer.

Tracks run down to the coast to locations such as Quoins Head (left). These tracks are generally easy, if rough, and the final descent to the beautiful bay at Quoins Head is steep. Take a walk along the beach; in the right conditions a small blow-hole sighs mournfully in the rocks.

Back on Telegraph Track the going south west is easy apart from being very rough. A side track of about 8km leads down to Twin Bays (right). This area is covered with low heath, trees being rare, and is dominated by Mid Mt. Barren (457m) and Thumb Peak.

Telegraph Track continues SW to the Fitzgerald River itself. There is a confusion of tracks in the region of the crossing, which is usually dry in summer, and then Colletts Track and Gwalup Road North lead to another ranger's station, the southern boundary of the park and Bremer Bay. Bremer Bay is a fairly popular holiday destination (by WA standards).

From Hopetoun to Bremer Bay, taking in a couple of side tracks, you might clock up 150km, but it can be slow going with higher fuel consumption that you expect. Die-back has become a serious problem in the Fitzgerald River National Park (and much of southern WA) and many tracks have been closed since the mid 1980's to try to control it - check with National Parks.

c1996:

No tracks now through the park.

Western entry via Quiss Rd and a 4WD track to Fitzgerald creek and inlet.

Eastern entry from Hopetown and access to beaches this way.

Western 4WD track blocked today due to heavy rain!!

Western Ranger tel: (98) 371 022.

Eastern ranger tel: (98) 383 060. Will give current track status.

Maps of this area are those drawn on Papyrus!!

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